`Sweet Charity' revival to have Tomei as star

Marisa Tomei will replace Jenna Elfman in the lead role of the upcoming Broadway revival of "Sweet Charity," the producers Fran and Barry Weissler and Clear Channel Entertainment have announced.

The show, which is expected to begin production in Toronto, will have a pre-Broadway engagement in Chicago at the Shubert Theatre, 22 W. Monroe St., from July 1 to July 20. Tickets are already on sale.

Walter Bobbie's production is expected to open on Broadway directly after the Chicago engagement.

With a book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman, and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, this 1967 musical was originally choreographed by Bob Fosse and starred Gwen Verdon. However, it's probably now best known for the 1969 film version, which starred Shirley MacLaine and featured the late Sammy Davis, Jr., in the memorable role of Big Daddy.

The choreographer for this revival has not yet been announced.

Numbers in the much-admired Coleman score include "Big Spender" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now."

Tomei received an Academy Award for her supporting role in the comedy "My Cousin Vinny." Although she has a variety of stage credits, Tomei is a newcomer to Broadway musicals.